Leeds fans had been desperate for his return, and he finally made his comeback from injury against Brentford.
He had been out since mid-September and Leeds had badly missed him as they struggled to recapture last season’s sparkling form.
Typical of him, he delivered when Leeds needed him most with his involvement in their dramatic 95th-minute equaliser at Elland Road.
I’m not talking about Patrick Bamford, instead I’m referring to Luke Ayling, whose return on Sunday was just as welcome for Leeds fans.
Ayling assisted for Bamford’s leveller with a deft flick-on at the near post from Raphinha’s corner.
It was an impressive return for Ayling, who like Bamford, had not played for Leeds since September 17.
Whereas Bamford had been sidelined with an ankle problem, Ayling had been out with a knee injury.
His return to action could hardly have been better timed for Leeds with Liam Cooper out for a lengthy period with the hamstring injury he suffered against Brentford.
Robin Koch is also still recovering from surgery, while Pascal Struijk missed the Brentford draw through injury.
Diego Llorente is Leeds’ only fit senior centre-half, meaning Ayling could shuffle across from right-back to play alongside him at Chelsea on Saturday, like he did when Cooper went off on Sunday.
Ayling will no doubt put in a performance as he always does and he has quietly established himself one of Marcelo Bielsa’s key players after a difficult start to his Elland Road career.
He took time to win some fans over, but there is no doubting his worth to Leeds now, either at right-back or centre-half.
The former Arsenal trainee is a presence in both boxes and is a fine defender, while he is also a threat in the opposition penalty area, as he demonstrated against Brentford with his assist.
He also scored an absolute screamer on the opening day at Old Trafford, but his goal was largely forgotten as Leeds were trounced 5-1.
He is a leader and Bielsa could make him captain against Chelsea in Cooper’s absence.
Ayling, 30, revels in this responsibility and it is helping him play the best football of his career.
He was performing so well last season that he came across Gareth Southgate’s radar and the England boss considered handing him a first call-up.
Ayling will prove his worth to Leeds once again as the Whites face Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal in the nightmare before Christmas, not forgetting Liverpool at Anfield on Boxing Day.
